Sick or Injured Whilst Visiting Malaysia? All You Need To Know…

Sick or Injured Whilst Visiting Malaysia? All You Need To Know…

Getting sick or injured whilst on holiday can be a sure way to stop, or at least slow down, the holiday fun. But if you or someone in your family does get a stomach bug, suffers a cut – or has to deal with something more serious such as a broken leg – it’s good to know what kind of medical facilities are available.

Peace of mind: DirectAsia.com travel insurance ensures those covered will get the attention they need if they fall ill or are injured in Malaysia.

Should I Visit My Physician Before I Go?

As such a common destination for Singaporeans, it is not practical for everyone to visit one’s doctor before each trip. However, the Medical Society of Malaysia does recommend that expatriates, travellers and tourists visit a travel clinic or doctor four to eight weeks before travelling.

Travellers should seek the following vaccinations:

Hepatitis A – all visitors

Typhoid – recommended for visitors who drink/eat outside major hotels and restaurants

Yellow Fever – necessary for every traveller who is one year of age or more upon arrival. Not recommended for younger visitors.

Japanese Encephalitis – recommended for those visiting rural areas for long periods, or those engaged in extensive outdoor activities in rural locations.

Hepatitis B – for those who have direct contact with locals, particularly important for visits of more than six months.

Getting Treatment in Malaysia

In Malaysia you’ll find that both public and private clinics and hospitals offer excellent medical services. Most foreigners tend to choose private healthcare if they get ill, and find that doctors and nurses speaks very good English.

Malaysian Hospitals – Top Tips

Both government and private hospitals charge visitors for their services

If you need an ambulance call 999 – or 112 from a mobile.

Beware that ambulances in Malaysia may not be as responsive as those in Singapore, so if a patient can be moved safely, a taxi may be a better option. However, under no circumstances should you move someone if you believe their condition would be worsened by doing so.

Government and private hospitals charge visitors for all services.

While it may be the last thing on your mind, it is a good idea to take along any travel insurance forms with you to the hospital. If you do not, and go back later to have them completed, you may have to wait a long time to see the appropriate staff members.

Malaysian hospitals generally operate a ticketing system, but waiting times are comparable to those in Singapore.

Pharmacies in Malaysia

As well as having plentiful frontline medical services – particularly in the big urban areas – Malaysia has at least as many pharmacies as you would find in Singapore. For less serious complaints, pharmacists will be able to offer advice on which medicine to take, and have extensive knowledge of common medical complaints suffered by visitors.

Other Issues to Be Aware Of

Malaysian pharmacists tend to be more relaxed about certain pharmaceuticals such as heavy-duty painkillers compared to our own chemists – i.e. they may not require a prescription. It has been known for some drugs to be over-prescribed by doctors/pharmacists. Counterfeit drugs have also been known to exist in Malaysia, although the problem is rare. Visitors should be aware of these issues.

Travel Insurance Malaysia

Holidays are about fun and relaxation, and about spending time with those you love. Knowing you’re covered for medical emergencies – as well as things like flight cancellations, car rental accidents and loss of personal belongings – gives you the peace of mind to do just that.

Here at DirectAsia.com we think taking out travel insurance for Malaysia – essential as it is – should be quick and easy. That’s why with us, you can get a quote and get covered in a matter of minutes.

Who we are after all?

Time To Enjoy Life…

Our time is precious. When we’re not busy working our time is taken up sorting out finances and organizing our day-to-day lives. That’s why we want to make your insurance experience quick and simple allowing you to get on with the real business of simply enjoying life.